Moby Dick

You are called Ishmael. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You are an intern aboard an arctic research vessel named the Pequod. You departed from Prudhoe Bay some time ago, and are currently travelling north through the Beaufort Sea toward the Arctic Ocean. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The captain of your vessel is a man by the name of Ahab. He is obsessed with finding a cryptid that he calls Moby Dick. You're fairly certain that Moby Dick doesn't exist. [[Continue.|intro2]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] (set: $thinkingtext to "What is the logical conclusion?")

You stare over the railing and watch ice fall away to either side of the Pequod as it lurches forward. The ice wavers and sometimes breaks. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The sky is clear and dull. There is no wind. You taste salt and rust in the air. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Captain Ahab is suddenly standing at your side with a pair of binoculars. You did not hear him approach you. His hands are white. The binoculars tremble. He looks out over the water, sweeping slowly left and right, and then stops. [[Continue.|intro4]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

"I see it," Ahab growls hoarsely. His voice is as labored as his face is pale. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You know what he means, but you don't want to believe him. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You squint and focus. The ice blurs with the sky and the black sea cracks through the borderless white like sharp, pulseless veins. Your eyes settle on an open pool of darkness, where you see subtle motion. A round, rolling white form breaches the surface. [[Continue.|intro5]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Your eyes wax like the moon. You grip the railing with hesitant, tense gloved hands. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Continue.|intro6]] ](stop:)] ]

Time slows to a crawl. Questions race through your mind as you try to UNDERSTAND the situation. (if: $whatisitBool is false)[(live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[What is it?|underst1b]]](stop:)] ](if: $whatitdoBool is false)[(live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[What's it doing?|underst1d]]](stop:)] ](if: $isitmobyBool is false)[(live: .4s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[Is this Moby Dick?|underst1e]]](stop:)] ](if: $whatisitBool is true)[(if: $whatitdoBool is true)[(if: $isitmobyBool is true)[[[Finished.|underst1z]]]]]

What is it? (live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's a whale.|underst1f]]](stop:)] (live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's a dolphin.|underst1g]]](stop:)] (live: .4s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's a shark.|underst1h]]](stop:)] (live: .5s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's a monster.|underst1i]]](stop:)]

What's it doing? (live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's just swimming.|underst1n]]](stop:)] (live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's dead.|underst1o]]](stop:)] (live: .4s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's running from the Pequod.|underst1p]]](stop:)] (live: .5s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It's hunting us.|underst1q]]](stop:)]

Is it Moby Dick? (live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It isn't Moby Dick.|underst1r]]](stop:)] (live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[It is Moby Dick.|underst1s]]](stop:)]

It must be a whale. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatisitBool to true) (set: $whale to true)

It must be a dolphin. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatisitBool to true) (set: $dolphin to true)

It must be a shark. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatisitBool to true) (set: $shark to true)

It must be a monster! [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatisitBool to true) (set: $monster to true)

It must be swimming. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatitdoBool to true) (set: $swimming to true)

It must be dead. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatitdoBool to true) (set: $dead to true)

It must be running from the Pequod. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatitdoBool to true) (set: $running to true)

It must be hunting us! [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $whatitdoBool to true) (set: $hunting to true)

It isn't Moby Dick. [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $isitmobyBool to true) (set: $notmoby to true)

It is Moby Dick! [[>>|underst1a]] (set: $isitmobyBool to true) (set: $moby to true)

$moby[Moby Dick]$notmoby[The creature] is a $whale[whale,]$dolphin[dolphin,]$shark[shark,]$monster[monster,] and $swimming[it's just swimming in the water.]$dead[it's dead in the water.]$running[it's running away from the Pequod.]$hunting[it's hunting down the Pequod!] This makes sense to you. Continue.

$monster[$hunting[You tremble with fear.]$swimming[You tremble with fear.]](else-if: $shark)[$hunting[You shudder.]$swimming[You shudder.]](else:)[You relax.] Ahab throws you an intense look. "Do you see it? Do you see Moby Dick?" You $moby[nod once. H]$notmoby[shake your head solemnly. With a scowl, h]e turns to the ship. "TO THE LIFEBOATS! MOBY DICK IS OUT THERE,$moby[" he cries, "]$notmoby[ ]SO $notmoby[THOSE OF YOU WITH SENSE IN YOUR HEADS," he cries, giving you a disparaging glance, "]GO HARPOON THE BLOODY THING!" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The crew freezes for a moment. Most of the people aboard this vessel are researchers, not fishermen. Still, a handful of brave souls cautiously make their way toward the boats. One young sailor produces a harpoon -- you didn't even know there were any aboard the ship. He seems uncertain. He takes his time. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab waves his hands frantically. "HURRY, YOU BLOODY FOOL!" By the time the sailor climbs into a half-full lifeboat and the crew begins to lower it toward the sea, $moby[Moby Dick]$notmoby[$dead[the corpse](else-if: $shark)[the shark](else-if: $dolphin)[the dolphin](else-if: $whale)[the whale](else:)[the creature]] has vanished. [[Continue.|intro7.1]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab roughly pushes a researcher aside, hoists the harpoon-wielding sailor out of the lifeboat, and tosses him onto the deck. The captain's eyes are ablaze with manic passion. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["WHAT," he howls, "DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" The sailor splutters but Ahab does not give him the chance to complete a sentence. "I am the captain of this ship. You do what I say, when I say it. The destruction of Moby Dick is a matter of life and death. Do you understand!?" The sailor swiftly nods. His legs are curled up beneath him as though he were trying to run away, but he's paralyzed by Ahab's stare. "Next time you drag your feet on my deck, I'll throw you overboard and you can can chase down Moby Dick without the help of a lifeboat." $notmoby[Ahab fixes you in his gaze. "Same goes for you. Believe what you'd like, but while you're on my ship, you do what I tell you to."] (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[Ahab dismisses the crew and returns to the rail. (t8n:"dissolve")[ [[Continue.|intro8.1]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

That night, you dream of $dead[corpses floating in an empty black sea.](else_if: $monster)[horrible, bone-white creatures$hunting[ peering at you from an empty black sea].](else:)[unknown forms swirling and writhing in an empty black sea.] (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You are awoken the following morning by what feels like $moby[cold ]$notmoby[hot ]breath on your neck, but there's $moby[nothing]$notmoby[nobody] in your cabin. [[Continue.|intro9.1]] ] (stop:)] ]

Act One: Monsters. [[Continue.

Filler: The following morning, you discover that the sailor from yesterday has gone missing. Ahab, with disinterested gruffness, insists he doesn't know where the sailor went. You help the crew search for any clue as to where he could have gone, but you find nothing. None of the lifeboats are missing, nor is any of the ship's equipment. The sailor's possessions are still in his cabin. A few crew members remember him retiring after sundown last night, but nobody saw him after that. There was always at least one person on deck during the night. (live: .5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[UNDERSTAND|underst2a]] ](stop:)] (set: $sailorBool to false) (set: $sailordead to false) (set: $sailorabducted to false) (set: $deathActive to false) (set: $deathBool to false) (set: $sailorkilled to false) (set: $killedActive to false) (set: $abductionActive to false) (set: $abductionBool to false)

Time slows to a crawl. Questions race through your mind as you try to UNDERSTAND the situation. (IMPORTANT! This section is incomplete. Feel free to click around, but expect it to end unexpectedly and/or break.) (if: $sailorBool is false)[(live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[What happened to the sailor?|underst2b]]](stop:)]] (if: $deathActive is true)[(if: $deathBool is false)[(live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[How did the sailor die?|underst2f]]](stop:)]]] (if: $abductionActive is true)[(if: $deathBool is false)[(live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[Who or what abducted the sailor?|underst2h]]](stop:)]]] (if: $killedActive is true)[(if: $deathBool is false)[(live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[Who or what killed the sailor?|underst2g]]](stop:)]]] (if: $killedActive is true)[(if: $deathBool is false)[(live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[What happened to the body?|underst2l]]](stop:)]]]

What happened to the sailor? (live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor is dead.|underst2c]]](stop:)] (live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor abandoned ship.|underst2d]]](stop:) ](live: .4s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor was abducted.|underst2e]]](stop:)]

The sailor must be dead! This conclusion brings more questions to mind. [[>>|underst2a]] (set: $sailorBool to true) (set: $sailordead to true) (set: $deathActive to true)

You want to believe that the sailor abandoned ship, but this conflicts with previous knowledge. Nobody saw the sailor on deck and none of the lifeboats were missing. There's no way the sailor could have abandoned ship. You feel slightly more desperate than you did before. [[Try another option.|underst2b]]

The sailor must have been abducted! This conclusion brings more questions to mind. [[>>|underst2a]] (set: $sailorBool to true) (set: $sailorabducted to true) (set: $abductionActive to true)

How did the sailor die? (live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor died by accident.|underst2i]]](stop:)] (live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor committed suicide.|underst2j]]](stop:) (live: .4s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor was killed.|underst2k]]](stop:)

Who or what abducted the sailor?

You want to believe that the sailor died by accident, but this conflicts with previous knowledge. Nobody saw the sailor leave his cabin, and nobody saw him on deck. There is also no body in his room. You can't think of any accidental death that wouldn't require him to go to the deck and wouldn't leave a body behind. You feel slightly more desperate than you did before. [[Try another option.|underst2f]]

You want to believe that the sailor committed suicide, but this conflicts with previous knowledge. Nobody saw the sailor leave his cabin, and nobody saw him on deck. There is also no body in his room. You can't think of any means of suicide that wouldn't require him to go to the deck and wouldn't leave a body behind. You feel slightly more desperate than you did before. [[Try another option.|underst2f]]

The sailor must have been killed! This conclusion brings more questions to mind. [[>>|underst2a]] (set: $deathBool to true) (set: $sailorkilled to true) (set: $killedActive to true)

Who or what killed the sailor? (live: .2s)[(t8n:"instant")[ [[The sailor was killed by the creature in the water.|underst2m]] ](stop:)] (live: .3s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor was killed by Ahab|underst2n]]](stop:) (live: .4s)[(t8n:"instant")[[[The sailor was killed by someone else aboard the ship.|underst2o]]](stop:)

What happened to the sailor's body?

$dolphin[You want to believe that the sailor was killed by the creature in the water, but this conflicts with previous knowledge. You think the creature in the water is a dolphin. A dolphin wouldn't kill a sailor, especially not while the sailor was still in his cabin. You feel slightly more desperate than you did before. [[Try another option.|underst2f]] Or, you could re-evaluate your previous assumptions to accommodate this one: [[I now think that the creature was a monster.||underst2m]] ]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

$thinkingtext The creature must be a (text-style: "smear")[[[whale|understand1.2.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[shark|understand1.2.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[monster|understand1.2.3]]]

But then you stop yourself. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Taking a deep breath, you close your eyes. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[In situations such as this, you find it best to relax and think things through. Once you set aside panic, fear, and runaway imagination, there is a logical explanation for everything. [[Think it through.|understand1.1]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

(t8n: "instant")[$thinkingtext The creature must be a whale. Ahab thinks it's Moby Dick. He is (text-style: "smear")[[[right|underst1.3.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[wrong|underst1.3.2]]] (set: $creature to "whale") ]

(t8n: "instant")[$thinkingtext The creature must be a shark. Ahab thinks it's Moby Dick. He is (text-style: "smear")[[[right|underst1.3.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[wrong|underst1.3.2]]] (set: $creature to "shark") ]

(t8n: "instant")[$thinkingtext The creature must be a monster. Ahab thinks it's Moby Dick. He is (text-style: "smear")[[[right|underst1.3.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[wrong|underst1.3.2]]] (set: $creature to "monster") ]

(t8n: "instant")[$thinkingtext The creature must be a $creature. Ahab thinks it's Moby Dick. He is wrong. (text-style: "smear")[[[>>|underst1.4]]] (set: $moby to "the creature") ]

(t8n: "instant")[$thinkingtext The creature must be a $creature. Ahab thinks it's Moby Dick. He is right. (text-style: "smear")[[[>>|underst1.4]]] (set: $moby to "Moby Dick") ]

You feel satisfied with your conclusions. [[Open your eyes.|intro7]]

Ahab is looking at you. "Do you see it, Ishmael? Do you see Moby Dick?" You (if: $moby is "Moby Dick")[nod. Ahab nods once.](if: $moby is "the creature")[shake your head. Ahab scowls.] (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Suddenly, he whips around to face the deck. "LISTEN UP! MOBY DICK IS OUT THERE, SO GET IN THE LIFEBOAT AND HARPOON THE BLOODY THING!"(link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The crew does nothing for a few moments, uncerain whether they should comply. Slowly, a few of them begin moving toward the railing. Ahab takes a few intimidating steps forward. "GET MOVING!" [[Continue.|intro8]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

(set: $whale to false) (set: $dolphin to false) (set: $shark to false) (set: $monster to false) (set: $swimming to false) (set: $dead to false) (set: $running to false) (set: $hunting to false) (set: $moby to false) (set: $notmoby to false) (set: $whatisitBool to false) (set: $whatitdoBool to false) (set: $isitmobyBool to false)

As Ahab gesticulates frantically, a few crew members climb into a lifeboat. One sailor in a crimson parka produces a harpoon from somewhere on deck. You didn't even know there were any on board. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[He steps toward the rail to climb into the boat, but the harpoon slips from his gloved hands and clatters to the deck. Ahab audibly growls. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab turns toward the sea and you follow his gaze. It seems that, in past few minutes, $moby has disappeared below the surface of the water. [[Continue.|intro9]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab roars with fury. He siezes the sailor by the collar of his parka and tosses him onto the deck. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The sailor cowers pitifully as Ahab towers over him, his dark eyes gleaming with manic passion. "WHAT," he barks between heavy breaths, "DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The sailor splutters but Ahab does not give him the chance to respond. "Destroying Moby Dick is a matter of life and death. Do you not take that seriously? ALL OF YOU!" He points a shaking finger at the crew. "Do you NOT TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY!? NEXT TIME I TELL YOU TO GET IN THE BLOODY LIFEBOATS, YOU GET IN THE BLOODY LIFEBOATS! And you, you bloody fool," he booms, frantically throwing his hand toward the sailor. "Next time we see Moby Dick, you're going to take that harpoon and you're going to spear that thing in the back with it. Spend some time practicing, because if you miss..." Ahab glowers down at him. "You don't want to miss." [[Continue.|intro10]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab dismisses the crew. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[As you begin to walk away, he places his hand on your shoulder. "Come with me." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You have no choice but to follow him to the forward deck. [[Continue.|intro11]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

The two of you spend a few moments at the rail, staring out over the oppressive monochrome expanse before you. You feel Ahab's lingering furious heat beside you. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(if: $moby is "the creature")[[[Continue.|intro12.1]]](else-if: $moby is "Moby Dick")[[[Continue.|intro12.2]]] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab sighs. "Ishmael, this is more important than you know." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["I'll tell you, boy, we're the only sane people on this ship. But you don't know what's coming to you, none of you do. I do. I've known for a long time. What he did to us... no. What he's going to do to us. It's all I can do to fight against it. It's in my bones, lad. I'm not the sort to roll over and take what fate gives me. No, I'm not, Ishmael. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, they say. Well I'll bloody well do what I please. 'Specially when all we're fed is bloody rotten fish." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["But I can't say any more, Ishmael. You're a bloody intern. A kid. I won't do to you what it did to me. No, I won't. Things like that are what drive lesser men like you to the pistol and ball. I take to the sea, I fight. But in the end, I suppose neither of us get to make that choice. You'll see what fate's been woven for you. Doesn't matter what you choose to believe. Moby Dick isn't limited by what your soft little brain can understand, no, it sure isn't, lad. It's beyond you. Your life is nothing." [[Continue.|intro13]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab sighs. "Ishmael, you bloody fool. You're more ignorant than you know." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["You probably think I'm mad. I'll tell you, boy, I'm the only sane person on this ship. You don't know what's coming to you, none of you do. I do. I've known for a long time. What he did to me... no. What he's going to do to me. It's all I can do to fight against it. It's in my bones, lad. I'm not the sort to roll over and take what fate gives me. No, I'm not, Ishmael. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, they say. Well I'll bloody well do what I please. 'Specially when all I'm fed is bloody rotten fish." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["But I'm not the sort to wallow in self-pity, Ishmael. I don't wonder why fate has it out for me. I don't ask what sin I committed that drew the wrath of God, my boy. No, I don't. Thoughts like that are what drive lesser men to the pistol and ball. I take to the sea. I don't care if you don't believe me, Ishmael. You will soon enough. You'll see what fate's been woven for you. You don't have to believe in Moby Dick. It isn't limited by what your little brain can understand, no, it sure isn't, lad. It's beyond you. Your life is nothing, Ishmael. Nothing." [[Continue.|intro13]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

"You can go now, Ishmael. But think all that over." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You hastily make your escape. [[Continue.|intro14]] ](stop:)] ]

That night, you dream of monsters. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Continue.|monsters0]] ](stop:)] ]

[[Begin day two.|monsters1]]

[[Begin day one.|intro1]]

The muted sun rises over another day at sea. The horizon stretches around the Pequod and surrounds it, perfectly straight and nearly invisible. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Members of the ship's crew begin their daily work to keep the Pequod afloat and functional. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Today, however, the clouds seem to hang lower over the ship. The atmosphere is taut. You have not seen Ahab today, but the crew periodically sends furtive glances toward the cabin door. You all know that it will happen again. But nobody knows when. [[Continue.|monsters2]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Since leaving Prudhoe Bay, Ahab spent most of his time in his cabin. You heard stories of his maniacal outbursts, but you never saw them in person until yesterday. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Without warning, the door to the cabins crashes open, and Ahab comes stumbling out. "IT'S THERE! I CAN TASTE IT! INTO THE BOATS!" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Despite their palpable misgivings, the crew moves faster today. Six clamber into the lifeboat, including the harpoon-wielding sailor. You notice a disturbance in the ink-black sea: a white form cresting the surface; the $creature. [[Continue.|monsters3]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

The pristine blue lifeboat drifts out into the water, propelled by a pair of crew members who slowly operate the boat's white oars. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[There is a faint water-noise as the oars dig through the water, and a slight thud as ice is pushed to either side of the bow. The ice wavers and often breaks. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab stares silently as the boat approaches its mark. His eyebrow twitches and his mouth is pressed into a straight horizontal line. [[Continue.|monsters4]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

The lifeboat nears the $creature. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You hold your breath. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The sailor hefts his harpoon. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Its barbed tip glints with dull sterile sunlight. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[He stands. Nearly loses his balance. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The boat and crew vanish. (live: 1.2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Continue.|monsters5]] ](stop:)] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

It takes a full minute for you to process what just happened. You blink. Rub your eyes. Look around. The lifeboat and crew are gone. Missing from existence. Removed. You search for them. They are nowhere. Nearby, Ahab stutters, confused. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You fall to your knees. Your skull throbs, your chest heaves, you clutch your head in your hands, fingers burn against your scalp. You can't breathe. You're panicking. Don't understand. Where did they go. Where did they go. Where did they go. [[Continue.|monsters6]] ](stop:)] ]

But then you stop yourself. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Taking a shuddering breath, you close your eyes. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[In situations such as this, you find it best to relax and think things through. Once you set aside panic, fear, and runaway imagination, there is a logical explanation for everything. That's what you tell yourself. There must be a logical explanation. [[Think it through.|underst2.1]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] (set: $vanished to false)

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have (text-style: "smear")[[[sank|underst2.2.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[rowed away|underst2.2.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[been pulled under by the $creature|underst2.2.3]]] (if: $vanished is false)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "shudder")[[[vanished into thin air|underst2.2.4]]]]]

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have sank. You didn't see it because (text-style: "smear")[[[it happened so quickly|underst2.3.1a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you blinked as it happened|underst2.3.1b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you're going insane|underst2.3.1c]]] (set: $musthave to "sank")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have rowed away. You didn't see it because (text-style: "smear")[[[it happened so quickly|underst2.3.2a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you blinked as it happened|underst2.3.2b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you're going insane|underst2.3.2c]]] (set: $musthave to "rowed away")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have been pulled under by the $creature. You didn't see it because (text-style: "smear")[[[it happened so quickly|underst2.3.3a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you blinked as it happened|underst2.3.3b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you're going insane|underst2.3.3c]]] (set: $musthave to "been pulled under by the $creature")

(live: .4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[I](stop:)](live: .8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[s](stop:)](live: 1.2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[h](stop:)](live: 1.6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[m](stop:)](live: 2.0s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[a](stop:)](live: 2.4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[e](stop:)](live: 2.8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[l](stop:)](live: 3.2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[.](stop:)](live: 4.0s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[ (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[That's the truth. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Are you sure you want to believe the truth? (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Play your little logic game like you're supposed to, Ishmael. [[Okay.|underst2.1]] (set: $vanished to true) ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)]

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have sank. You didn't see it because it happened so quickly. The lifeboat sank because (text-style: "smear")[[[Ahab sabotaged it|underst2.4.1a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the $creature damaged it|underst2.4.1b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[it sprung a leak|underst2.4.1c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "it happened so quickly")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have sank. You didn't see it because you blinked as it happened. The lifeboat sank because (text-style: "smear")[[[Ahab sabotaged it|underst2.4.1a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the $creature damaged it|underst2.4.1b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[it sprung a leak|underst2.4.1c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "you blinked as it happened")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have sank. You didn't see it because you're going insane. The lifeboat sank because (text-style: "smear")[[[Ahab sabotaged it|underst2.4.1a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the $creature damaged it|underst2.4.1b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[it sprung a leak|underst2.4.1c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "you're going insane")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have rowed away. You didn't see it because it happened so quickly. The crewmembers rowed away because (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of Ahab|underst2.4.2a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of the $creature|underst2.4.2b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of both Ahab and the $creature|underst2.4.2c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "it happened so quickly")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have rowed away. You didn't see it because you're going insane. The crewmembers rowed away because (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of Ahab|underst2.4.2a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of the $creature|underst2.4.2b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of both Ahab and the $creature|underst2.4.2c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "you're going insane")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have rowed away. You didn't see it because you blinked as it happened. The crewmembers rowed away because (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of Ahab|underst2.4.2a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of the $creature|underst2.4.2b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[they were afraid of both Ahab and the $creature|underst2.4.2c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "you blinked as it happened")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have been pulled under by the $creature. You didn't see it because it happened so quickly. The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's (text-style: "smear")[[[Ahab's fault|underst2.4.3a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the $creature's fault|underst2.4.3b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[nobody's fault|underst2.4.3c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "it happened so quickly")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have been pulled under by the $creature. You didn't see it because you blinked as it happened. The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's (text-style: "smear")[[[Ahab's fault|underst2.4.3a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the $creature's fault|underst2.4.3b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[nobody's fault|underst2.4.3c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "you blinked as it happened")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have been pulled under by the $creature. You didn't see it because you're going insane. The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's (text-style: "smear")[[[Ahab's fault|underst2.4.3a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the $creature's fault|underst2.4.3b]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[nobody's fault|underst2.4.3c]]] (set: $sawbecause to "you're going insane")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The lifeboat sank because Ahab sabotaged it. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The lifeboat sank because Ahab sabotaged it")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The lifeboat sank because the $creature damaged it. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The lifeboat sank because the $creature damaged it")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The lifeboat sank because it sprung a leak. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The lifeboat sank because it sprung a leak")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The crewmembers rowed away because they were afraid of Ahab. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The crewmembers rowed away because they were afraid of Ahab")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The crewmembers rowed away because they were afraid of the $creature. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The crewmembers rowed away because they were afraid of the $creature")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The crewmembers rowed away because they were afraid of both Ahab and the $creature. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The crewmembers rowed away because they were afraid of both Ahab and the $creature")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's Ahab's fault. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's Ahab's fault.")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's the $creature's fault. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's the $creature's fault")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's nobody's fault. Ahab is (text-style: "smear")[[[a monster|underst2.5.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hero|underst2.5.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[neither a monster nor a hero|underst2.5.3]]] (set: $lostbecause to "The crewmembers probably drowned. They may have been eaten alive. That's nobody's fault.")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. $lostbecause. Ahab is a monster. (text-style: "smear")[[[>>|underst2.6]]] (set: $ahab to "a monster")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. $lostbecause. Ahab is a hero. (text-style: "smear")[[[>>|underst2.6]]] (set: $ahab to "a hero")

$thinkingtext The lifeboat must have $musthave. You didn't see it because $sawbecause. $lostbecause. Ahab is neither a monster nor a hero. (text-style: "smear")[[[>>|underst2.6]]] (set: $ahab to "neither a monster nor a hero")

You feel satisfied with your conclusions. [[Open your eyes.|monsters7]]

A hand roughly grabs your shoulder and pulls you to your feet. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["Come with me," mutters Ahab. You look around. The crew is in various states of shock, disbelief, grief, or denial. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab, once again, drags you to the front deck. (if: $ahab is "a hero")[[[Continue.|monsters8.2]]](else-if: $ahab is "a monster")[[[Continue.|monsters8.1]]](else-if: $ahab is "neither a monster nor a hero")[[[Continue.|monsters8.3]]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

He turns toward you, hand still gripping your shoulder. His eyes are deep and black like pools of water; they bore into yours. After a moment he sighs. "Ishmael, you bloody fool." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["You're a weakling and a passive idiot. You don't think for yourself, do you, lad? You couldn't even if you tried. Your bloody tiny brain can only think what's already been thought for you. Science, logic, math. Read those from books, lad? Well books won't help you out here. Use your eyes and your bones, Ishmael. Trust what you see and what you feel." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab pauses for a moment, sighs again, and shakes his head. "Who am I kidding. Ishmael, you can't change. Your stupidity is set in bloody stone. You'll never understand anything. Not like I do. I understand more than I ever wanted to, Ishmael. You'll see what I mean." [[Continue.|monsters9.2]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

He turns toward you, hand still gripping your shoulder. His eyes are deep and black like empty wells; they bore into yours. After a moment he scowls, as though finding something he dislikes. "Ishmael, you bloody coward." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["You think I'm evil, don't you? I can see it in you," he growls. "You're easy to read and you've got a weak soul. You cower like a bloody idiot when anything scares you. I knew you were a fool, but a coward too? You don't KNOW WHAT'S COMING FOR YOU, ISHMAEL! YOU DON'T KNOW THE BLOODY HALF OF IT! WE'RE BOUND TOGETHER, LAD, YOU CAN'T CLOSE YOUR EYES AND HIDE FROM THAT! YOU CAN'T CLOSE YOUR EYES AND HIDE FROM MOBY DICK EITHER! MOBY DICK GOES WHERE IT WANTS TO! IT'S IN YOUR BRAIN! IT'S BEYOND OUR SCIENCE, OUR REALITY!" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab is shaking now. "YOU THINK ME A MONSTER, DO YOU?" He shoves you and you stumble back. "DO YOU!?" He shoves you again, harder, and you fall to the deck. "AM I A MONSTER TO YOU!? YOU'RE A BLOODY IDIOT, ISHMAEL! THE REAL MONSTER IS OUT THERE! YOU'LL SEE THAT SOON ENOUGH! NO WAY OUT, BOY! NO WAY OUT! NO WAY OUT!" [[Continue.|monsters9.1]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

He turns toward you, hand still gripping your shoulder. His eyes are deep and black like the sea; they bore into yours. After a moment he grins. "Ishmael, you're starting to understand." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["No, I shouldn't say that. You'll never understand Moby Dick, lad. But you're afraid of it, aren't you? You know it has to be stopped. I had my doubts, Ishmael. But you've bloody well started opening that tiny mind of yours to something bigger. Maybe if you put it to good use we can kill the bloody thing together. Would you like that, lad?" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab keeps speaking before you even think to respond. "I think you should know something, Ishmael. I saw it when I was young. I saw it, and I knew it would kill me. I knew it would kill both of us. That's why I want it dead. It's going to kill us if we don't stop it first. I didn't even know you were aboard, lad, until I saw you two days ago. But now I know we're close... one way or the other. It's an evil thing, Ishmael. It's in my brain, and yours too. It's beyond anything our math and science can understand." [[Continue.|monsters9.3]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

His chest is heaving. He storms away, leaving you alone. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Your hands shake as you place them to your left and right, flat against the deck. You draw your feet up underneath your body and stand. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[That night, you cry. [[Continue.|endgame0]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

[[Begin day three.|endgame1]]

He spits into the sea and walks away. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You take a deep breath. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[That night, you cry. [[Continue.|endgame0]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

He gives you a pat on the shoulder and walks away. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You shiver and take a slow, deep breath. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[That night, you cry. [[Continue.|endgame0]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

The muted sun rises over another day at sea. The horizon stretches around the Pequod and surrounds it, perfectly straight and nearly invisible. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You do not see the crew of the Pequod. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You are not aboard the Pequod anymore. [[Continue.|endgame2]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Your head is resting on a hard wooden plank. A cold, stale breeze brushes over you. You taste salt and you see the empty white sky overhead. You're wearing your parka, gloves, and other winter clothing. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You lurch into a sitting position. This is not your cabin. After a moment your eyes adjust to the light. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You're on a lifeboat. Ahab sits calmly across from you. The Pequod is nowhere in sight. [[Continue.|endgame3]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Prickling, hot panic rushes through your veins. Your fists clench and your teeth grit. Your eyes begin to water. Where are you? You clutch your head in your hands. Squeeze your eyes shut. Take a breath. [[Think it through.|underst3.1]]

$thinkingtext You're on a lifeboat with Ahab because (text-style: "smear")[[[he kidnapped you|endgame4]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the ship sank|endgame4]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you're going insane|endgame4]]]

$thinkingtext You're on a li "ISHMAEL! QUIT YOUR COWERING!" Your concentration shatters like thin ice, plunging you back into awareness. A sharp slap stings your face. Ahab is glaring at you. "Ishmael, the Pequod is gone. It disappeared like the lifeboat, and I was barely able to save you. Now GET YOURSELF TOGETHER, LAD!" [[Continue.|endgame5]]

Your chin is trembling. Don't panic. You need to focus. Can't get overwhelmed right now. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["You're a lucky fool, you are, Ishmael." Ahab is standing near the prow. "I had half a mind to leave you behind. But we're together in this, we are, Ishmael. I know that you'll be there one way or another. Might as well take you there myself. We're on our way now, my boy. I can taste it. We're going to meet it and kill it, lad. We're going to kill it." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You breathe in, and out. Logical explanation for everything. Think it through. Don't cower, don't close your eyes, he'll see you. Think it through. Think it through. Think it through. You're on a lifebobat with Ahab because (text-style: "smear")[[[he kidnapped you|endgame6.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[the ship sank|endgame6.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[you're going insane|endgame6.3]]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

You're on a lifebobat with Ahab because he kidnapped you. Okay, that makes sense to you. In that case, the Pequod can't be too far. It's not visible right now, but Ahab can't have been rowing for more than a few hours. You can probably find it again. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["It's just there, lad. Do you see it? GET UP! We're almost there, Ishmael, I can't have you sitting around like a bloody idiot. Get ready. This is our last chance, my boy. There's a harpoon below your seat, get it out." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You reach bbelow your seat and produce a long, hooked harpoon. It's rusty and heavy and cold. [[Continue.|endgame7]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

You're on a lifebobat with Ahab because the ship sank. Okay, that makes sense to you. Ahab must have rescued you. Then perhaps it's best to do what he says. He has more nautical experience than you; your survival hinges on him. Then again, perhaps your priority should be returning to Prudheo Bay instead of chasing down the $creature. If that's the case, you should try to take control. But you aren't sure which option is best. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["It's just there, lad. Do you see it? GET UP! We're almost there, Ishmael, I can't have you sitting around like a bloody idiot. Get ready. This is our last chance, my boy. There's a harpoon below your seat, get it out." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You reach bbelow your seat and produce a long, hooked harpoon. It's rusty and heavy and cold. [[Continue.|endgame7]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

You're on a lifebobat with Ahab because you're going insane. Okay, that makes sense to you. Maybe this is a madman's dream. Maybe you chose to leave with him, and you just don't remember it. This is strangely comforting. Perhaps the strange things that have been happening are all just figments of your imagination. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["It's just there, lad. Do you see it? GET UP! We're almost there, Ishmael, I can't have you sitting around like a bloody idiot. Get ready. This is our last chance, my boy. There's a harpoon below your seat, get it out." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You reach bbelow your seat and produce a long, hooked harpoon. It's rusty and heavy and cold. [[Continue.|endgame7]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

"I've been dreading this moment forever, Ishmael. I knew it would come, but I know I can stop it too. I'm not going to let it push me around, am I now, Ishmael? We aren't going to lie down and take what fate gave us. No, my boy, we're certainly not!" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Suddenly, he splutters and coughs. "I-it's here, Ishmael! IT'S BLOODY HERE! ISHMAEL, GE- [[Continue.|endgame8]] ](stop:)] ]

Past Ahab, you see a white form. But it's not in the water. At first, it's a marble-sized sphere, hanging in mid-air near the bow. It spins, shifts, and grows, undulating and rolling, a baseball now -- a basketball -- bigger. Round, organic protrusions grow and shift around it, some branching from the central mass, some appearing in empty space, connecting, disconnecting, lurching through the air, dipping in and out of the water, pulsating and roiling. It is pale and frenetic and terrible. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You want to scream but your throat closes. Insane terror burns through you. You taste iron, your eyes water, and every atom of your body trembles violent. You don't understand. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Ahab pitches forward and collapses over a rowboat seat. An agonized scream rips free of his mouth. "IT'S IN MY BRAIN! ISHMAEL, IT'S -- AAH! YOU BLOODY FOOL, DO SOMETHING!!!" [[Continue.|endgame9]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

(live: .4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[I](stop:)](live: .8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[s](stop:)](live: 1.2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[h](stop:)](live: 1.6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[m](stop:)](live: 2.0s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[a](stop:)](live: 2.4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[e](stop:)](live: 2.8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[l](stop:)](live: 3.2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[.](stop:)](live: 4.0s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[ (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[We're almost done here. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[What logical conclusion can you reach now, Ishmael? Want to close your eyes and think this one through? (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[I'm having fun. Let's do it once more. For old time's sake. [[Okay.|underst4.1]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)]

$thinkingtext The thing before you is (text-style: "smear")[[[a god|underst4.2.1]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[an alien|underst4.2.2]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a fourth dimensional being|underst4.2.3]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a hallucination|underst4.2.4]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[an eldritch horror|underst4.2.5]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[a machine|underst4.2.6]]] (text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "shudder")[[[please don't kill me|underst4.2.7]]]]

What do you really gain from giving me that name? As a creature limited to three dimensions, you gain no information by classifying me as such. You know nothing of the topic beyond speculation and meaningless labbels. [[Continue.|monsters10]]

No matter how doubtful you are of your own faculties, I assure you, Ishmael: I am completely real. [[Continue.|monsters10]]

We are often most terrified of that which we do not understand. Sometimes, we assign them words to help ground them in reality: eldritch, for example. But you, Ishmael, you know nothing. You should be very afraid. [[Continue.|monsters10]]

You are a fool, Ishmael. You ignore what's in front of you to grasp at straws. I am entirely organic. [[Continue.|monsters10]]

We both know that I don't have a choice in the matter. [[Continue.|monsters10]]

To someone like you, perhaps I am a god. But I was always so far above you, Ishmael. Many people are. [[Continue.|monsters10]]

In the sense that I am unknown and unfamiliar to you, yes, perhaps I am an alien. But what of the world's truths are not unfamiliar to a brain as small as yours? [[Continue.|monsters10]]

You are suddenly bludgeoned in the forehead by the hard, rubbery sole of a boot. Ahab is standing over you. His nose is bleeding. "GET UP, ISHMAEL, BLOODY IDIOT! I CAN'T FIGHT THIS THING ON MY OWN!" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You stagger to your feet, suddenly aware of your surroundings. Your mind is foggy and your legs shake. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["ISHMAEL, THIS IS IT!" [[Continue.|endgame11]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

With a guttural roar, Ahab seizes an oar and, with a strong overhead swing, brings the paddle down over the creature's central body. There's a dry slap as it hits. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The oar vanishes. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And appears again, buried in Ahab's chest. [[Continue.|endgame12a]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

He screams and collapses into the boat. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Don't think about it, Ishmael. Thinking is what breaks you. You don't want any more details. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Why don't you do something with that harpoon of yours? [[Continue.|underst5.1a]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

You will use the harpoon to (text-style: "smear")[[[spear the creature|underst5.2.1a]]] (text-style: "smear")[[[spear Ahab|underst5.2.2a]]] (text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "shudder")[[[spear yourself|underst5.4]]]]

Wrong answer. You will use the harpoon to (text-style: "smear")[[[spear Ahab|underst5.3a]]] (text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "shudder")[[[spear yourself|underst5.4]]]]

Wrong answer. You will use the harpoon to (text-style: "smear")[[[spear the creature|underst5.3a]]] (text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "shudder")[[[spear yourself|underst5.4]]]]

You do so. I watch as you drive the harpoon through your heart and bleed to death in the rowboat. Ahab tries to help, or fight, or something, but he can't. He dies just like you.(link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[I'm in your brain. His too. I incorporate you both. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Who was the monster again, Ishmael? Me? Ahab? Or was it you? I can't tell. We're all together now anyway. [[Continue.|endgame13a]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Wrong again. You don't get to choose anymore, Ishmael. (text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "shudder")[[[spear yourself|underst5.4]]]]

(link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[I'm in your brain. His too. I incorporate you both. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Who was the monster again, Ishmael? Me? Ahab? Or was it you? I can't tell. We're all together now anyway. [[Continue.|endgame13a]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

With a guttural roar, Ahab suddenly rips the harpoon from your hands and flings it at the creature. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[There is no sounds as the hooked tip buries into the creature's skin. Blood, black like ink, drips from the wound. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The creature vanishes. [[Continue.|endgame12]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab stands for a moment. Stares. Begins to cackle. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["Ahaha. Ahahaha! ISHMAEL, MY BOY, WE-" (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[He stops. Confused. "I... I... Ishmael, I can still hear..." His face goes blank. [[Continue.|endgame13]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

"I can still hear it, Ishmael. But it's not it. It's... it's me. Ishmael, I can hear it, and it's me. I..." He is silent for a moment, and then an unreadable expression washes over his features. "I understand." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["I get it, now. This is where I was supposed to be. It feels great, Ishmael. I can't believe I never realized it. I'm... a genius." (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["Ishmael, I begin and end myself. I am--" [[Continue.|endgame14]] ](stop:)] ] ](stop:)] ]

Ahab vanishes. [[Continue.|endgame15]]

You spend three days at sea before a research ship, the Rachel, rescues you. You are nearly dead. (link-reveal: ">>")[ (live: .2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The Pequod never returns to port. You alone are left alive to tell your story. (link-reveal: ">>")[ At least, that's what you choose to believe. ] ](stop:)] ]